Looking for a job in today’s market place you are going to have to demonstrate that your CV and behaviour are in step with what the client is looking for and, perhaps more importantly, that you stand out and will do a good job when employed. Job hunting is really about matching - your skills to the client's requirements. You and the client have a set of needs that must be met and there is a process for meeting them - job description, application in the form of CV, and then interview.

A CV is often the first stage in job hunting. It's here that you need to make a big impact to get to the next stage. With so many people looking for jobs, it makes sense to get ahead of the game as early as possible. You will have already heard about people who have loads of experience and do a good job yet never get an interview from a CV, and you really do not want to be one of them. You want to get the job, so let's look at a few examples of improving that all important document and making sure you get past the first hurdle.

Firstly, how about putting some graphics on your CV? For example, a small head shot of you under your name. Next, build on the graphics by putting logos of the companies you have worked for instead of, or as well as, their name.  Imagine how impressive that is? If you are in events management, a project manager or a designer, you could put a picture of something that you project managed or designed to demonstrate its success and, at the very least, a link to your work on the internet. 

Only last year, I worked with an IT Director who had been made redundant and had a 5 page CV. After extensive exploration with him about his years of international experience, we were able to reduce his CV to two pages and he got his first interview in a year. We used graphics and kept it brief, as you ought to. Getting to the point quickly works much better than having something that shows everything you have done, meaning the recruiter has to invest time wading through detail - imagine how you would feel if you had to do this all day, it is far more stimulating to get one or two beautiful CVs with information, which leads you to want to know more. Yes, its about teasing and results. Let people know what you have achieved. Unless requested, keep your CV to an overview for the initial stage for most impact. 

Learn about the words that the computers pick up for each job application, so you can include these in the CV and still be recognised electronically. Keep all of your language on the CV in the present tense - get others to look at it before you send it off to make sure they understand it. Ask them if they understand what you have written, like the layout, and whether they would notice it - of course, ask why they would notice it...make sure it's because of something good that you get noticed! And, I'm sure you all know this one, but put your telephone number and name on each page, so that the employer or agency can contact you as they are reading through your CV, a sure sign that you are making an impact.

Next comes the interview, and let's hope you have been practicing all the behaviours written about in this article and that your attire is suited to the organisation you are about to work for. Of course, if you are not sure what to wear after doing your research, I suggest a dark suit for the men and a black dress/suit for women. Keep it simple and smart with clean lines as this seems to work for everyone.

Whilst at the interview you may have to gloss over certain details, but never blatantly lie. Lying can get you into hot water and you lose your integrity and of course, the job too. Take your time, think through answers, and if you need more time - repeat back the question so you are absolutely acknowledging what is being said and clarifying the situation which will give you a little bit of extra time, and hopefully get you some brownie points too. Another must, never speak negatively about past employment - who wants to work with disgruntled employees? One of the most important tasks is to get your mind in order before going to any interview. Do some meditation to build up your confidence and be positive at all times. If it's going to be, it's up to you, so make sure you are always thinking and focused on the result you want at the interview. Why would anyone take on someone who was not confident in themselves?
 
With these tips, I am guessing you will make an extra effort and at minimum get an interview, and at best the job. Happy job hunting, and do not be put off by economic downturns, there are always jobs and people who make lots of money in downturns, you just may have to change industry sectors, but this in itself is development and learning for you adding to your rich life experience. 

Email: carole@lifeafterbranding.com
Website: www.lifeafterbranding.com
Phone: 07866 531400

Carole Railton ©, August 2008